Water-dispersible granules based on live organisms

ABSTRACT

It is an aim of this invention to provide spray formulations which include live organisms and which can be used as pesticides or plant treatment products and whose storage stability at room temperature is considerably higher compared with corresponding formulations of the prior art. Moreover, it is intended that the spray formulation can be handled with greater ease, that is to say that it is, for example, free-flowing, low in dust and readily measured out, in order to be more user friendly.  
     This object is achieved by the preparation of special, water-dispersible granules.  
     The granules according to the invention comprise:  
     a) 5 to 80% by weight of spores or active units of one or more organisms which act as pesticides or plant treatment agents,  
     b) 5 to 60% by weight of one or more suitable wetting agents and dispersants,  
     c) 2 to 50% by weight of at least one protective substance which prevents desiccation,  
     d) 5 to 70% by weight of magnesium silicate or aluminum silicate,  
     e) 5 to 20% by weight of at least one substance which protects against UV radiation, and  
     f) a residual water content of 2-10%.

[0001] The present invention relates to novel crop protection productscomprising live organisms, formulated as granules which are dispersiblein aqueous media.

[0002] It is known that certain microorganisms such as, for example,bacteria, viruses and fungi, or else nematodes, can be pathogenic topests or are suitable for the treatment of plants. It is furthermoreknown that providing suitable formulations is not without problems ifsuch live organisms are to be used in practice. In the formulationprocess, a large proportion of the microorganisms lose their viability,or, at room temperatures, lose their activity within a few days. It istherefore difficult to prepare formulations which meet the requirementsfor agricultural purposes.

[0003] The application of microorganisms in crop protection is limitedsince there is a lack of a formulation which guarantees stability of themicroorganisms and homogeneity of the product. Formulations whichprovide the pulverulent product in the form of a dust or aqueousdispersion are mentioned in the literature. Other formulations are oilydispersions and granules for broadcasting.

[0004] The paper of Pereira and Roberts (1991) relates to a pulverulentdry mycelium of entomopathogenic fungi encapsulated in alginate or cornstarch. This type of preparation can be used as a granule forbroadcasting against soil-dwelling pests. The stability of the productvaries as a function of the fungal species, the storage temperature andthe type of encapsulation.

[0005] French Patent Specification FR 2494717 describes crop protectionproducts composed of robust spores of entomophthoral fungi and which areused in the form of wettable powders or for atomizing. The spores arecovered by chalk. The stability of the product is guaranteed for twomonths at a storage temperature of 2 to 7° C.

[0006] Patent Specification WO 92/20229 mentions the use of biopolymersas carriers, coating and nutrient for microorganisms which are employedas pesticides. No statements are made by the authors about storagestability, homogeneity and other factors such as dispersibility orsuspendibility, from which conclusions might be drawn regarding theeconomy of such products.

[0007] French Patent Publication FR 2394606 relates to the preservationand the protection of microorganisms by means of chalk. An end productwhich might be applied in agriculture is not described.

[0008] Patent Specification U.S. Pat. No. 4,530,834 mentions thepreparation of wettable powder of dry mycelia of entomopathogenic fungiwhich have been treated with protective substances. The end product mustbe stored at 4° C.

[0009] European Patent Application EP-0 406 103 describes the growth ofmicroorganisms on a granulated carrier which is insoluble in thefermentation medium. The particle size of the granules is between 0.5and 2.0 mm. The product is used as granules for broadcasting.

[0010] Patent EP-0 268 177 describes carrier-free cell granules ofmicroorganisms capable of forming a mycelium. These granules arecomposed of microorganism cells which grow in such a way that they forma tissue-like structure, and do not contain any carrier material. Thesemicroorganisms must be capable of forming cell aggregates and cellgranules. They are used for controlling pests which can be found in thesoil, on the soil or in the vicinity of the soil. The granules do notdisperse in water. The number of infectious conidia spores are unknownin these and other formulations of dry mycelium, since the conidiaspores only form after application as a function of the varyingmicroclimatic factors.

[0011] Even if the product were to find the optimum growth conditions,there is a delay in activity due to the time required for sporeformation. During this time, the products may be eaten by animals,depending on the formulation. In this manner, some of the preparation isno longer available for spore formation.

[0012] European Patent EP-0 180 743 mentions liquid preparations ofmicroorganisms which are covered by a protective coating and are in theform of a suspension in oil. These products are preferably intended forthe veterinary sector. The preparations can be stored at roomtemperature. The authors do not refer to the homogeneity of the emulsionfor agricultural purposes. A paper by Wright and Chandler (1992)describes the development and assessment of a fungal preparation ofBeauveria bassiana in oil, mixed with a further two biologically activecomponents: a synthetic pheromone and a feeding substrate, orphagostimulant. No information can be had on experimental data regardingthe stability of the product as a function of storage time and storagetemperature.

[0013] Handling dispersions is problematic. For example, dispersions mayform sediments upon prolonged storage which are difficult to disperse byshaking, subsequently cause inhomogeneity of the product or lead toinconsistent activity upon use.

[0014] The use of wettable-powder formulations have the disadvantagethat dust is formed in the process, which can be a health hazard for theuser.

[0015] Moreover, microorganisms are frequently deactivated, inhibited oreven destroyed by surfactants, solvents, fillers, additives and otherformulation auxiliaries.

[0016] It is the aim of the present invention to provide wettable-powderformulations which contain live organisms, which are used as pesticidesor plant treatment products and whose storage stability at roomtemperature was intended to be considerably improved in comparison withpreviously known, relevant formulations. Moreover, the formulations wereintended to be more user friendly while being very easy to handle, i.e.being free-flowing, low in dust and readily measurable.

[0017] Surprisingly, it has been found that the desirable aims can beachieved by the preparation of specific, water-dispersible granules.

[0018] The granules according to the invention contain:

[0019] a) 5 to 80% by weight of spores or active units of one or moreorganisms which act as pesticides or plant treatment agents,

[0020] b) 5 to 60% by weight of one or more suitable wetting agents anddispersants,

[0021] c) 2 to 50% by weight of at least one protective substance whichprevents desiccation,

[0022] d) 5 to 70% by weight of magnesium silicate or aluminum silicate,

[0023] e) 5 to 20% by weight of at least one substance which protectsagainst UV irradiation, and

[0024] f) a residual water content of 2-10%.

[0025] The composition according to the invention is preferably composedas follows:

[0026] a) 20 to 50% by weight of spores or active units of one or moremicroorganisms which act as pesticides or plant treatment agents,

[0027] b) 10 to 40% by weight of one or more suitable wetting agents anddispersants,

[0028] c) 5 to 20% by weight of vegetable oil, mineral oil, glycerol,sodium alginate or sodium glutamate as protective substance,

[0029] d) 10 to 50% by weight of magnesium silicate or aluminumsilicate,

[0030] e) 5 to 20% by weight of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide assubstance which imparts UW protection, and

[0031] f) a residual water content of 4-10%.

[0032] Besides, the abovementioned active substance formulationsoptionally contain the adhesives, wetting agents, dispersants,emulsifiers, penetrants, solvents, fillers or carriers which arecustomary in each case.

[0033] Examples of preferred wetting agents and dispersants are sodiumoleylmethyltauride (®Arkopon T, ®Hostapon T), sodiummethoxylignosulfonate (®Vanispesse CB), sodium lignosulfonate(®Bosserperse), a sodium dinaphthylmethanedisulfonate (®Dispersogen A,®Tamol NNO), sodium dibutylnaphthalenesulfonate (®Fernil DB, ®GeroponNK), sodium polycarboxylate (®Sopropon T36), long-chain olefinsulfonates (Hostapur OSB), isotridecanol polyglycol ether (®GenapolX-Marten) and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate (®Tween 20).

[0034] Other compounds which can be employed as protective substancesare glucose, fructose, lactose or sucrose, ultrapure cellulose, as wellas antioxidant substances such as, for example, ascorbic acid. Thesecompounds are employed, inter alia, to prevent desiccation of themicroorganisms. Thus, other compounds which cause this effect may alsobe employed as protective substances.

[0035] Fillers which are preferably employed for the preparation of thecompositions according to the invention are ultrapurified magnesiumsilicates and aluminum silicates such as, for example, ®Bentone EW,®Bentnite 7c, finely-ground kaolins and clays, ®Perlite, ®Santentone,Kaolin 1777, Attapulgus Clay products such as ®Attaclay, ®Attacote,®Attagel, ®Clarsol FgN-FR4 or kieselguhr.

[0036] To prepare the compositions according to the invention, mixturesof the compounds mentioned in each case under items a-e may also beemployed. The use of a combination of a plurality of protectivesubstances, such as, for example, a mixture of glycerol, sodium alginateand sodium glutamate, is of particular interest.

[0037] Furthermore, the granules may contain silicone-based antifoams,for example antifoam ®SE2, castor-oil-based emulsifiers, such as®Emulogen EL and synthetic layer silicates such as ®SKS20. All theformulation auxiliaries which have been mentioned are well knownsubstances described in the specialist literature.

[0038] The term organisms within the scope of the present inventionembraces single-celled and multi-celled organisms from the kingdom ofthe Prokaryotes and the Eukaryotes, in particular phylum of theSchizophyta (bacteria), the phylum of the Mycophyta (fungi) and theclass of the nematodes. The class of the nematodes (Nematodes) formspart of the subphylum of the Bilateria and the tribe of theNemathelminthes (roundworms). However, the term also embraces viruseswhich, being non-cellular particles, may be assigned to the organismswith some reservation.

[0039] The non-taxonomic term microorganisms is to be understood asmeaning, in this context, organisms which had previously been classifiedunder the collective name of the protists (primordial beings). Itembraces organisms which are distinguished by a low degree ofmorphological differentiation and which are predominantly single-celled.

[0040] Microorganisms which are preferably employed for the preparationof the granules according to the invention are fungicidal, herbicidal,nematopathogenic and entomopathogenic microorganisms, in particularfungi from the class of the Deuteromycetes. The use of fungi of thegenus Beauveria, in particular the species Beauveria bassiana, is ofspecific interest.

[0041] Furthermore, this type of biological formulation offers morepossibilities for the preparation of co-formulations together with otherbiological or chemical crop protection products, due to its chemical andphysical stability.

[0042] Accordingly, the granules according to the invention may contain,in addition to the organisms, other pesticides (for example chemicalfungicides, insecticides or herbicides) as a co-formulation.

[0043] The invention thus also relates to the water-dispersible granulesaccording to the invention being used as crop protection products orplant treatment products. Upon use, the granules according to theinvention are diluted with water to give a spray mixture, analogously towettable powders and liquid formulations, and are applied to the plantsor the areas under cultivation in the form of such a spray mixture.

[0044] The granules according to the invention are suitable forcontrolling fungi, in particular insects and arachnids, which are foundin agriculture.

[0045] The compositions according to the invention have an outstandinginsecticidal activity against a broad spectrum of economically importantpests. Some representatives of pests which can be controlled by thecompositions according to the invention may be mentioned individually byway of example, without the enumeration being intended as a restrictionto certain species.

[0046] From the order of the Isopoda, for example, Oniscus asellus,Armadium vulgare, Porcellio scaber. From the order of the Diplopoda, forexample, Blaniulus guttulatus. From the order of the Chilopoda, forexample, Geophilus carpophagus, Scutigera spec. From the order of theSymphyla, for example, Scutigerella immaculata. From the order of theThysanura, for example, Lepisma saccharina. From the order of theCollembola, for example, Onychiurus armatus. From the order of theOrthoptera, for example, Blatta orientalis, Periplaneta americana,Leucophaea maderae, Blattella germanica, Acheta domesticus, Gryllotalpaspp., Locusta migratoria migratorioides, Melanoplus differentialis,Schistocerca gregaria. From the order of the Dermaptera, for example,Forficula auricularia. From the order of the Isoptera, for example,Reculitermes spp. From the order of the Anoplura, for example,Phylloxera vastatrix, Pemphigus spp., Pediculus humanus corporis,Haematopinus spp., Linognathus spp.

[0047] From the order of the Mallophaga, for example, Trichodectes spp.and Damalinea spp. From the order of the Thysanoptera, for example,Hercinothrips femoralis and Thrips tabaci. From the order of theHeteroptera, for example, Eurygaster spp., Dysdercus intermedius, Piesmaquadrata, Cimex lectularius, Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma spp. Fromthe order of the Homoptera, for example, Aleurodes brassicae, Bemisiatabaci, Trialeurodes vaporariorum, Aphis gossypii, Brevicorynebrassicae, Cryptomyzus ribis, Doralis fabae, Doralis pomi, Eriosomalanigerum, Hyalopterus arundinis, Macrosiphum avenae, Myzus spp.,Phorodon humuli, Rhopalosiphum padi, Empoasca spp., Scotinophoracoarctata, Drasicha mangiferae, Euscelis bilobatus, Nephotettixcincticeps, Lecanium corni, Saissetia oleae, Laodelphax striatellus,Nilaparvata lugens, Aonidiella aurantii, Aspidiotus hederae,Pseudococcus spp. and Psylla spp.

[0048] From the order of the Heteroptera, for example, Lygus spp.,Nezara viridula, Drasicha mangiferae and Euschistus spp.

[0049] From the order of the Lepidoptera, for example, Pectinophoragossypiella, Bupalus piniarius, Cheimatobia brumata, Lithocolletisblancardella, Hyponomeuta padella, Plutella maculipennis, Malacosomaneustria, Euproctis chrysorrhoea, Lymantria spp., Diathrea sacharalis,Bucculactrix thurberiella, Phyllocnistis citrella, Agrotis spp., Euxoaspp., Feltia spp., Earias insulana, Heliothis spp., Laphygma exigua,Mamestra brassicae, Panolis flammea, Prodenia litura, Spodoptera spp.,Trichoplusia ni, Carpocapsa pomonella, Ostrinia spp., Perileucopteracoffeella, Pieris spp., Chilo spp., Pyrausta nubilalis, Ephestiakuehniella, Galleria mellonella, Tineola bisselliella, Tineapellionella, Hofmannophila pseudospretella, Cacoecia podana, Capuareticulana, Choristoneura fumiferana, Clysia ambiguella, Homonamagnanima, Tortrix viridana, Dendrolimus spp., Laspeyresia pomonella.

[0050] From the order of the Coleoptera, for example, Anobium punctatum,Hypothemenus hampei, Pityogenes chalcographus, Cyrtomon luridus,Xyloterus lineatus, Ips typographus, Rhizopertha dominica, Bruchidiusobtectus, Acenthoscelides obtectus, Hylotrupes bajulus, Agelastica alni,Leptinotarsa decemlineata, Phaedon cochleariae, Diabrotica spp.,Psylliodes chrysocephala, Epilachna varivestis, Atomaria spp.,Oryzaephilus surinamensis, Anthonomus spp., Sitophilus spp.,Otiorrhynchus sulcatus, Sitona lineatus, Cosmopolites sordidus,Ceuthorrhynchus assimilis, Hypera postica, Dermestes spp., Trogodermaspp., Anthrenus spp., Attagenus spp., Lyctus spp., Meligethes aeneus,Ptinus spp., Niptus hololeucus, Gibbium psylloides, Tribolium spp.,Brontispa longissima, Tenebrio molitor, Agriotes spp., Conoderus spp.,Melolontha melolontha, Sphenophorus-Levis, Amphimallon solstitialis andCostelytra zealandica.

[0051] From the order of the Hymenoptera, for example, Diprion spp.,Hoplocampa spp., Lasius spp., Monomorium pharaonis, Vespa spp.

[0052] From the order of the Diptera, for example, Aedes spp., Anophelesspp., Culex spp., Drosophila melanogaster, Musca spp., Fannia spp.,Calliphora erythrocephala, Lucilia spp., Chrysomyia spp., Cuterebraspp., Gastrophilus spp., Hypobosca spp., Glossina morsitans, Stomoxysspp., Oestrus spp., Hypoderma spp., Tabanus spp., Tannia spp., Bibiohortulanus, Oscinella frit, Phorbia spp., Pegomyia hyoscyami, Ceratitiscapitata, Dacus oleae and Tipula paludosa.

[0053] From the order of the Siphonaptera, for example, Xenopsyllacheopis, Ceratophyllus spp. From the order of the Arachnida, forexample, Scorpio maurus and Latrodectus mactans. From the order of theAcarina, for example, Acarus siro, Argas spp., Ornithodoros spp.,Dermanyssus gallinae, Eriophyes ribis, Phyllocoptruta oleivora,Boophilus spp., Rhipicephalus spp., Amblyomma spp., Hyalomma spp.,Ixodes spp., Psoroptes spp., Chorioptes spp., Sarcoptes spp., Tarsonemusspp., Bryobia praetiosa, Panonychus spp., Tetranychus spp.

[0054] The granules according to the invention are particularly suitablefor controlling sensitive and resistant Heliothis spp., Anthonomus spp.,Hypothememus hampei, Spodoptera spp., Nephotettix spp., Trichoplusiaspp., Leptinotara decemlineata and other feeding and sucking insects orspider mites (whitefly, lepidopterous larvae).

[0055] The biological crop protection products according to theinvention are distinguished by a defined number of live and effectiveactive units (for example conidia or spores) and good storage stabilityat room temperature, thus having standardized activity. They have goodmechanical stability, a defined particle size, and they arefree-flowing, low in dust and readily measured out, which favorablyaffects their handling upon use.

[0056] Moreover, being water-dispersible granules, the compositions arereadily wettable in water, disintegrate very rapidly and form asuspension with good suspendability characteristics.

[0057] The formulations of the prior art are disadvantageous inasfar as,to compensate for the loss caused by dissolution of the formulation inwater, relatively large amounts of the substances which impartprotection against UV radiation have to be employed. If smaller amountsof the protective substances are employed, it must be accepted that UVprotection is no longer guaranteed once the composition has been dilutedin water.

[0058] In contrast, the compositions according to the invention have theadvantage that optimum protection against UV can be guaranteed due tothe special formulation, even after the product has been dissolved inwater.

[0059] Thus, an important advantage of the compositions according to theinvention is based on the fact that the active live materials can betreated very specifically using smaller amounts of substances with aprotective action whose activity is not reduced even when diluted highlywith water. It is this fact which distinguishes this type of formulationfrom all other formulations of microorganisms known to date.

[0060] The examples which follow are intended to illustrate theinvention without imposing any limitation. Unless otherwise specified,percentages are by weight:

Preparation Examples of the Formulations

[0061] A large number of processes are available for the technicalpreparation of water-dispersible granules: for example, they can beprepared in a rapidly rotating disc or drum granulator. Alternatively,they can be produced in a kneader-extruder or in a fluidized bed. A moredetailed description of the preparation process is found, for example,in: H. B. Ries “Granuliertechnik und Granuliergeräte” [GranulationTechnology and Granulation Apparatus] in Aufbereitungstechnik No. 3(1970); M. Rosch and R. Probst in Verfahrenstechnik 9 (1975); U.S. Pat.No. 3,920,442; GB-A 1401304; EP-A 0026918; EP-A 0141436 and EP-A0141437.

[0062] To prepare the water-dispersible granules, fine aluminum silicateor magnesium aluminum silicate, and/or synthetic layer silicate is firstmixed with a solid wetting agent and dispersant. A range of solidsubstances having a protective action may also be admixed. The resultingpowder mixture is introduced into a fluidized bed or a kneader andgranulated by spraying with an aqueous fungal dispersion.

[0063] For small amounts, a laboratory-scale fluidized-bed granulationapparatus such as, for example, Büchi 710, or a kneader, for exampleSigma Luk manufactured by Werner & Pfleiderer, and a piston extruder,may be used.

[0064] To assist the granules, the dispersibility, suspendability andwet screening residue are assessed.

[0065] The spontaneous dispersibility of the granule formulation isassessed using a 1-to-4 key. For this purpose, 1 g of the granules arefirst placed into a 1 l graduated cylinder filled with standardizedwater (30° C., water hardness 342 ppm of CaCO₃). After 1 minute, thegraduated cylinder is rotated slowly by 180° C. and then returned to thestarting position. This procedure is repeated three times. The result isassessed using the following key:

[0066] 1. All granules are dispersed. If any undispersed granules arepresent, the shaking process described above is repeated three times 2minutes after the beginning of the experiment, and the result isassessed as follows:

[0067] 2. The granules are now fully dispersed.

[0068] 3. Remains of the granules are not dispersed.

[0069] 4. Most of the granules are not dispersed.

[0070] The suspendability is the amount of the preparation (% by weight)which is suspended in the upper nine-tenths parts by volume after asedimentation time of 30 minutes has elapsed (see CIPAC Handbook Vol. 1(1970), p. 861).

[0071] The term wet-screening residue defines the amount of substancewhich remains on screens of dimensions 250 μm and 71 μm, respectively,after washing for 10 minutes with a defined amount of water. The methodis described in “Richtlinien für die amtliche Prüfung vonPflanzenschutzmitteln, Teil III, 2-1/1 (August 1988) der BiologischenBundesanstalt Braunschweig” [Guidelines for the official testing of cropprotection products, Part III, 2-1/1 (August 1988) of the FederalInstitute of Biology].

EXAMPLE 1 Extruder WG of Beauveria bassiana

[0072] A. Preparation of an Aqueous Dispersion of Beauveria: % by weightFungal spores 25 Genapol X-060 2.5 Glycerol 1.5 Sodium glutamate(protective 0.5 substances) Sodium alginate 0.5 Water 70 100.0

[0073] The components are mixed by stirring until a fine,highly-concentrated, homogeneous dispersion has formed.

[0074] B. The resulting dispersion is sprayed onto a powder mixturewhile being kneaded continuously. The ratio by weight of dispersion topowder mixture is 8:7.

[0075] The powder mixture used has the following composition: % byweight Sucrose 7.1 Bentone EW 2.8 Bentonite 7C 28.5 Tecnocel 11.5Kieselguhr 28.5 Saponit SKS 2C 1.5 Vanisperse CB 11.5 Geropon NK 2.8Hostapon T 5.8 100.0

[0076] C. Using the resulting paste, the granules are prepared and driedin a fluidized-bed dryer at a product temperature of 30° C. until theresidual moisture content is 6%.

[0077] The final composition of the water-dispersible granules is: % byweight Fungal spores 20 Genapol X 060 2 Glycerol 1.2 Sodium glutamate0.4 Sodium alginate 0.4 Sucrose 5 Bentone EW 2 Bentonite 7C 20Kieselguhr 20 Tecnocel 8 Vanisperse CB 8 Geropon NK 2 Hostapon T 4Saponite SKS 2CV 1 Water 6 100.0

[0078] Using a key from 1 to 4, the spontaneous dispersibility is 2(dispersing time 5 minutes). The suspendability is 87%. Using a 71 μmscreen, the wet-screening residue is 0.7%; if a 250 μm screen is used,no residue is found.

EXAMPLE 2 Fluidized-bed WDG of Beauveria bassiana

[0079] A. Preparation of the Aqueous Beauveria Dispersion: % by weightFungal spores 10 Genapol X-060 1 Glycerol 0.6 Sodium glutamate 0.2Sodium alginate 0.2 Sucrose 2.5 Water 85.5 100.0

[0080] The components are stirred until a fine homogeneous dispersionhas formed.

[0081] B. A powder mixture is introduced into a fluidized bed, and thedispersion is sprayed onto this powder mixture at a product temperatureof 30° C., and the product is subsequently dried. The ratio by weight ofdispersion to powder mixture is 20:6.5.

[0082] The powder mixture has the following composition: % by weightClarsol GFN-FR4 30.5 Kaolin 1777 23.5 Kieselguhr 23.5 Vanisperse CB 12Geropon NK 3 Hostapon T 6 Saponit SKS 20 1.5 100.0

[0083] C. The final composition of the water-dispersible granules is asfollows: % by weight Fungal spores 20 Genapol X-060 2 Glycerol 1.2Sodium glutamate 0.4 Sodium alginate 0.4 Sucrose 5 Clarsol FGN-FR4 20Kaolin 1777 15 Kieselguhr 15 Vanisperse CB 8 Geropon NK 2 Hostapon T 4Saponit SKS 20 1 Water 6 100.0

[0084] Using a key from 1 to 4, the spontaneous dispersibility of thesegranules is 1. The suspendability is 97%. If using a 71 μm screen, thewet-screening residue is 0.3%, if using a 250 μm screen, no residue isobserved.

EXAMPLE 3 Oil-coated Beauveria Spores in Extruder WDG

[0085] A. Preparation of the Suspoemulsion % by weight Spores 25 GenapolX-060 2.5 Oil 3.7 Emulsogen EL-400 0.4 Water 68.4 100.0

[0086] B. A powder mixture is introduced into the kneader and sprayedwith this highly concentrated suspoemulsion in a ratio by weight of8:6.9.

[0087] The powder mixture has the following composition: % by weightBentone EW 7.1 Bentonite 28.5 Kieselguhr 28.5 Tecnocel 14.3 VanisperseCB 11.5 Geropon NK 2.8 Hostapon T 5.8 Saponit SKS 20 1.5 100.0

[0088] The granules are produced in an extruder and dried in afluidized-bed dryer at a product temperature of 30° C.

[0089] C. Final Composition of the WDG % by weight Spores 20 GenapolX-060 2 Oil 3 Emulsogen EL-400 0.3 Bentone EW 3.7 Bentonite 20Kieselguhr 20 Tecnocel 10 Vanisperse CB 8 Geropon NK 2 Hostapon T 4Saponit SKS 20 1 Water 6 100.0

[0090] The spontaneous dispersibility is 2. The suspendability is 89%.If using 71 μm/250 μm screens, the wet-screening residue is 0.4/0.

EXAMPLE 4 UV Protection of Baauveria bassiana Spores in Extruder WDG byMeans of TiO₂

[0091] A. Preparation of the Supoemulsion: % by weight Fungal spores 20Genepol X-060 2.5 Oil (corn oil) 5 Emulsogen EL-400 0.5 TiO₂ 0.5 Water66.5 100.0

[0092] B. A powder mixture is introduced into a kneader and sprayed withthis suspoemulsion in a ratio by weight between dispersion and powdermixture of 8:6.7.

[0093] The composition of the powder mixture is the same as in the caseof the oil-coated spores. The final composition of the WDG is: % byweight Fungal spores 20 Genapol X-060 2 Oil 5 Emulsogen EL-9.5 0.5 TiO₂0.5 Bentone EW 3 Aluminum silicates 40 Cellulose 8 Vanisperse CB 8Geropon NK 2 Hostapon T 4 Saponit 1 Water 6 100.0

[0094] The spontaneous dispersibility is 2. The suspendability is 90%.If using 71 μm/250 μm screens, the wet-screening residue is 0.4/0.

EXAMPLE 5 UV Protection of Beauveria bassiana Spores in Fluidized-bedWDG by Means of TiO₂ and ZnO.

[0095] A. Preparation of the Suspoemulsion: % by weight Fungal spores 10Genapol X-060 1.75 Oil (groundnut oil) 2.5 Emulsogen EL-9.5 0.25 TiO₂0.25 ZnO 0.25

[0096] The components are stirred until a fine homogenous dispersion hasformed.

[0097] B. A powder mixture is introduced into a fluidized bed, sprayedwith the dispersion at a product temperature of 30° C. and dried. Theratio by weight of dispersion to powder mixture is 20:7. The finalcomposition of the water-dispersible granules is: % by weight Fungalspores 20 Genapol X-060 3.5 Oil (groundnut oil) 5 Emulsogen EL-9.5 0.5TiO₂ 0.5 ZnO 0.5 Clarsol FGN-FR4 20 Kaolin 1777 15 Kieselguhr 10 BentonEW 5 Saponit SKS 20 1 Vanisperse CB 8 Geropon NK 2 Hostapon T 3 Water 6100.0

[0098] The spontaneous dispersibility of these granules is 1, thesuspendability is 95%, and the wet-screening residue is 0.3%/0 if using71/250 μm screens.

1. Water-dispersible granules which comprise a) 1 to 80% by weight ofspores or active units of one or more organisms which act as pesticidesor plant treatment agents, b) 5 to 60% by weight of one or more suitablewetting agents and dispersants, c) 2 to 50% by weight of at least oneprotective substance which prevents desiccation, d) 5 to 70% by weightof magnesium silicate or aluminum silicate, e) 5 to 20% by weight of atleast one substance which protects against UV radiation, and f) aresidual water content of 2-10%.
 2. The water-dispersible granules asclaimed in claim 1, which comprise a) 20 to 50% by weight of spores oractive units of one or more microorganisms which act as pesticides orplant treatment agents, b) 10 to 40% by weight of one or more suitablewetting agents and dispersants, c) 5 to 20% by weight of vegetable oil,mineral oil, glycerol, sodium alginate or sodium glutamate as protectivesubstance, d) 10 to 50% by weight of magnesium silicate or aluminumsilicate, e) 5 to 20% by weight of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide assubstance which imparts UV protection, and f) a residual water contentof 4-10%.
 3. The granules as claimed in claim 1 or 2, which comprise 1to 80% by weight of active substances in addition to customaryformulation auxiliaries.
 4. The granules as claimed in one or more ofclaims 1 to 3, which comprise fungi from the class of theDeuteromycetes.
 5. The granules as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to4 which comprise fungi of the genus Beauveria.
 6. The granules asclaimed in one or more of claims 1 to 4, which comprise fungi of thespecies Beauveria bassiana.
 7. The use of the granules as claimed in oneor more of claims 1 to 6 for controlling pests or treating plants. 8.The use of the granules as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 6 forcontrolling insects.
 9. A method of controlling pests or treatingplants, which comprises applying the compositions as claimed in one ormore of claims 1 to 6 to the pests to be controlled or the plants to betreated.